PM Boris Johnson tells #DowningStreetBriefing he believes the government "we will be in a position to move to step 2 of our plan", which involves the phased reopening of schools
Johnson says government intends to go ahead with plan for early years, reception, year 1 and 6 pupils to return on June 1, and then year 10s and 12s will start to receive some face to face contact from June 15
"By opening schools to more pupils in this limited way, we’re taking a deliberately cautious approach, and this comes after a constructive period of consultation with schools, teachers and unions led by the education secretary Gavin Williamson"
Johnson thanks school staff who have "stepped up to the challenge" of keeping schools open "throughout this crisis". Says DfE will engage with teaching unions, LAs and school leaders "in the coming days" so they can "ask questions and probe the evidence behind our plans"
Johnson says final decision will be taken as part of formal review of lockdown measures required by Thursday
However, Johnson acknowledges that a June 1 opening "may not be possible for all schools", but govt will continue to "support and work with the sector" to ensure any schools experienced difficulties are able to open more widely "as soon as possible"
Johnson also says the government recognises that "full social distancing may not be possible, especially when teaching young children", guidance from DfE "sets out a range of protective measures to keep children and staff safe"
.@ASCL_UK leader @RealGeoffBarton responds: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition that it will not be possible for all primary schools to open to more pupils from June 1"
“We also welcome the decision to push back bringing in Year 10 and 12 students to June 15 and the clarification about the maximum number of students at any one time."
“However, we have to say that the government has not done a good job in building confidence in its plans.
“It has not communicated the rationale for its chosen approach well, and it left primary schools with little time to plan and implement safety protocols."
“It has not communicated the rationale for its chosen approach well, and it left primary schools with little time to plan and implement safety protocols."
.@cyclingkev also not happy.
"The NEU does not agree that it would be right for primary schools to open more widely on June 1. We once again call on the government to engage meaningfully with the education unions on these matters."
"The NEU does not agree that it would be right for primary schools to open more widely on June 1. We once again call on the government to engage meaningfully with the education unions on these matters."
@cyclingkev .@PatrickR_NASUWT: “The Prime Minister’s display of determination to press ahead with the wider reopening of schools from 1 June is seriously at odds with the scientific evidence released to date, and the deep concerns expressed by schools, teachers and parents."
@cyclingkev @PatrickR_NASUWT .@PaulWhiteman6: "We will take the Prime Minister at his word that schools will be allowed to react to their own local situations and will not be forced into opening or penalised if proceeding with appropriate caution."
